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Detective Bernadette Noel #1
Last Seen
I can see her, shouting with laughter as she swings as high as she can, her beautiful blonde curls flying out behind her. I can feel her tiny hot hand in mine, and my heart aches. My little girl. If only I’d listened to my gut. Then maybe she’d be safe here with me…
When five-year-old Molly Reynolds is snatched from the park in the small village of Otterfield, Detective Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Noel throws herself into the search, sick with worry for the quiet, sensitive little girl and her distraught mother.
Wasting no time, Bernie finds a small green cardigan under a bush in the park. It still has the smiley face sticker Molly won that week at school. It’s the first in a chain of clues – and Bernie can’t shake the feeling that it was left deliberately, as a message.
But Bernie encounters a wall of silence. Otterfield is a close-knit community, yet no one in the village seems to care that Molly is missing at all. Why?
And then Bernie makes a chilling discovery: twenty-five years ago, another little girl went missing from the area. Her name was Sophie, and all they ever found of her was her teddy bear, hidden under a bush. Now Bernie knows she’s in a race against time to save Molly’s life.
Bernie’s team work round the clock to find a connection between the two girls, and just when they think they’re making progress a devastating tragedy strikes at the heart of the case. Molly’s family have been hiding a secret, and now their little girl is in greater danger than ever.
Can Bernie outwit the most warped criminal she has ever faced and bring Molly home safe, or will another innocent life be lost?
A completely addictive crime thriller with mind-blowing twists that will have you reading late into the night. If you like Val McDermid, D.S. Butler or Angela Marsons, you’ll love Joy Kluver.
When five-year-old Molly Reynolds is snatched from the park in the small village of Otterfield, Detective Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Noel throws herself into the search, sick with worry for the quiet, sensitive little girl and her distraught mother.
Wasting no time, Bernie finds a small green cardigan under a bush in the park. It still has the smiley face sticker Molly won that week at school. It’s the first in a chain of clues – and Bernie can’t shake the feeling that it was left deliberately, as a message.
But Bernie encounters a wall of silence. Otterfield is a close-knit community, yet no one in the village seems to care that Molly is missing at all. Why?
And then Bernie makes a chilling discovery: twenty-five years ago, another little girl went missing from the area. Her name was Sophie, and all they ever found of her was her teddy bear, hidden under a bush. Now Bernie knows she’s in a race against time to save Molly’s life.
Bernie’s team work round the clock to find a connection between the two girls, and just when they think they’re making progress a devastating tragedy strikes at the heart of the case. Molly’s family have been hiding a secret, and now their little girl is in greater danger than ever.
Can Bernie outwit the most warped criminal she has ever faced and bring Molly home safe, or will another innocent life be lost?
A completely addictive crime thriller with mind-blowing twists that will have you reading late into the night. If you like Val McDermid, D.S. Butler or Angela Marsons, you’ll love Joy Kluver.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2021
1411 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Joy Kluver
5 books40 followersJoy Kluver has been an avid reader and writer since childhood. More recently she’s been escaping the madness of motherhood by turning her hand to crime novels. A book blogger, she’s also part of the First Monday Crime team and if you’ve been to any of their events it’s likely you’ve eaten one of her cookies. She also organises author talks for her local library. Joy lives in SW London with her husband and three children. She has written three DI Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Noel books – 'Last Seen', 'Broken Girls' and 'Left For Dead', and the series has been shortlisted for Best New Kid on the Block (best new series) in the Dead Good Reader Awards 2022.
Joy is represented by Anne Williams at the Kate Horden Literary Agency.
Joy is represented by Anne Williams at the Kate Horden Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 13, 2022
When a five-year-old girl is snatched from the playground while her mother has her back turned, you would think the small village her family lives in would be horrified. Instead, they are strangely shunned and when police officer Bernadette Noel tries to investigate, no one will lift a finger to offer information. DI Bernadette discovers that decades ago, another girl of the same age went missing in the same area. That case was never solved. Could the two cases be connected?
This was a good blend of police procedural and some personal details of the main character’s life. The beginning started off well. The middle dragged in a spot or two but overall, a good read. Looking forward to reading more of this series. 4/5 stars.
This was a good blend of police procedural and some personal details of the main character’s life. The beginning started off well. The middle dragged in a spot or two but overall, a good read. Looking forward to reading more of this series. 4/5 stars.
March 27, 2021
A new detective series featuring fast tracked Detective Inspector Bernie Noel in her first major crime investigation. A five-year-old child is snatched from the park in the small village of Otterfield and the close-knit community is reluctant to help. As the team processes various leads, the disappearance of another little girl twenty-five years earlier increases the pressure on them. With slow progress and threats of bringing in another team, Bernie must discover the family’s secrets and the reasons for the community’s unwillingness to assist. Then tragedy strikes again, further complicating the investigation and raising the tension until the climax of a resolution. You can now add Joy Kluver to the must-read crime thrillers, with this worthy four-star rating gripping police procedural. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
April 26, 2021
This was a great start to this new series, with a likable protagonist. Bernie is a newly minted detective on her first major case, a missing 5- year-old girl who was appears to have been abducted from a local playground. Bernie is a very real character, who goes back and forth between admitting her lack of experience and being frustrated that she isn't fully trusted, which made her very relatable. The book is narrated solely from Bernie's POV, with a few chapters interspersed from the unknown abductor.
This is a tough case that is more complex than it seemed, with the entire town going out of their way not to help find the missing girl, and with an odd tie-in to another missing child case from 25 years ago. Bernie tries to follow the local leads while also researching potential connections to this older case.
This book introduces you to Bernie and her whole team, and does a good job of laying out who everyone is and what the dynamics are like between them without getting away from the mystery of the primary storyline. I really want to see what happens next between this group of people in the next book. My only small nit is that I figured out the identity of the villain very early in the book.
All in all, fun read and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a tough case that is more complex than it seemed, with the entire town going out of their way not to help find the missing girl, and with an odd tie-in to another missing child case from 25 years ago. Bernie tries to follow the local leads while also researching potential connections to this older case.
This book introduces you to Bernie and her whole team, and does a good job of laying out who everyone is and what the dynamics are like between them without getting away from the mystery of the primary storyline. I really want to see what happens next between this group of people in the next book. My only small nit is that I figured out the identity of the villain very early in the book.
All in all, fun read and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
358 pages
3 stars
This is a pretty fair book. It has moments of a bright future for the author, but at the same time, it was disappointing. There is much going on in this book.
DI Bernadette “Bernie” Noel is new to the small town in south England. She is escaping her situation in London that left her with bad memories. When a desperate call comes in for a five-year old missing little girl, Bernie is spurred into immediate action. She and her team comb the village park using dogs, police officers and a helicopter. All to no avail. Okay, this is good, but I began to feel that there was something not quite right about DI Bernie.
She is a new DI, so I can understand her slight tentativeness in the investigation. She was however, quick to become frustrated and seemed a tad too dogmatic for my taste. When another officer is assigned from Scotland, she almost goes off the rails. I judged it to be an overreaction. She was too friendly with the potential suspects, asking them to call her “Bernie” when she wanted her subordinates to call her “m'am.” It seemed an inconsistent way to act. She wanted to be the witnesses' buddy when questioning them and got upset when the other officers would ask the hard questions.
I guess I just didn't care for her.
The story idea was a good one, but the motive for the kidnapping was rather silly. I think Ms. Kluver could ably resurrect Bernie in the next book. Give her some backbone and a more professional attitude are a couple of suggestions.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this promising book for me to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
3 stars
This is a pretty fair book. It has moments of a bright future for the author, but at the same time, it was disappointing. There is much going on in this book.
DI Bernadette “Bernie” Noel is new to the small town in south England. She is escaping her situation in London that left her with bad memories. When a desperate call comes in for a five-year old missing little girl, Bernie is spurred into immediate action. She and her team comb the village park using dogs, police officers and a helicopter. All to no avail. Okay, this is good, but I began to feel that there was something not quite right about DI Bernie.
She is a new DI, so I can understand her slight tentativeness in the investigation. She was however, quick to become frustrated and seemed a tad too dogmatic for my taste. When another officer is assigned from Scotland, she almost goes off the rails. I judged it to be an overreaction. She was too friendly with the potential suspects, asking them to call her “Bernie” when she wanted her subordinates to call her “m'am.” It seemed an inconsistent way to act. She wanted to be the witnesses' buddy when questioning them and got upset when the other officers would ask the hard questions.
I guess I just didn't care for her.
The story idea was a good one, but the motive for the kidnapping was rather silly. I think Ms. Kluver could ably resurrect Bernie in the next book. Give her some backbone and a more professional attitude are a couple of suggestions.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this promising book for me to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 30, 2021
*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Joy Kluver for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3 stars.
Umm. Overall I will say this was a good story. But it had a couple issues with it. I'll start with a positive about it though and that was what happened in the story about half way through. There was a bit of a surprise in what had happened and it really gave the story that kick it needed and it really grabbed my attention.
In the beginning, the story was starting off well. It had a good flow to it. The characters were good and it was something I was enjoying. But my attention and interest was slowly sliding downhill. That is, until that half way mark where my interest sky rocketed. I'd hoped it was going to stay that good until the end but something that really disappointed me is something I can't really speak about as it's a major spoiler but all I can say is that what should have a been a major intense overwhelming part of the story, was completely flat. I was left thinking, 'umm, ok. So that's it then?' Not something you want in a story that is ment to make you feel anticipation over what's ment to be the biggest climax of the story. To add to it, by the 70% mark I had guessed who had taken Molly. But I will add to that, that it was a clever choice of character to have done it.
Unfortunately, there was more downs to this than ups. But like I said, 3 stars, means it was still a good story and while I'm glad I read it. I'm not sure I'll continue with the series unless the second book sounds like it could have a lot of potential.
3 stars.
Umm. Overall I will say this was a good story. But it had a couple issues with it. I'll start with a positive about it though and that was what happened in the story about half way through. There was a bit of a surprise in what had happened and it really gave the story that kick it needed and it really grabbed my attention.
In the beginning, the story was starting off well. It had a good flow to it. The characters were good and it was something I was enjoying. But my attention and interest was slowly sliding downhill. That is, until that half way mark where my interest sky rocketed. I'd hoped it was going to stay that good until the end but something that really disappointed me is something I can't really speak about as it's a major spoiler but all I can say is that what should have a been a major intense overwhelming part of the story, was completely flat. I was left thinking, 'umm, ok. So that's it then?' Not something you want in a story that is ment to make you feel anticipation over what's ment to be the biggest climax of the story. To add to it, by the 70% mark I had guessed who had taken Molly. But I will add to that, that it was a clever choice of character to have done it.
Unfortunately, there was more downs to this than ups. But like I said, 3 stars, means it was still a good story and while I'm glad I read it. I'm not sure I'll continue with the series unless the second book sounds like it could have a lot of potential.
March 28, 2021
I love embarking on a new series from the very start, and this one certainly intrigued me enough to do just that. DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel came to Wiltshire from the Metropolitan Police to escape. Following her involvement in a high profile prosecution resulting in her receiving death threats, she is hoping that her move to the West Country will put all that behind her and protect herself and her family. Now it is six months later and Bernie is on her way back from her grandfather's funeral in London when she receives a call to attend a crime scene. Racing there, she finds a search already underway for 5-year-old Molly Reynolds who has gone missing from a playground in the little village of Otterfield. When she finds Molly's green fleece under a bush she thinks that maybe someone is leaving a message, but why are the villagers being so tight-lipped and unwilling to help?
The story is told mostly from the perspective of Bernie with the occasional snippets every so often from the POV of the perpetrator. The investigation is a complex one and Joy Kluver cleverly weaves everything together. The investigation begins quite slowly mainly because of the community's unwillingness to help, but it soon picks up pace. There are some shocking reveals as the police look into the pasts of the victim’s family.
Bernie is grieving the very recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the insights given into both her personal and professional life are interesting. Joy Kluver prudently reveals enough about her to ensure she comes across as a switched-on, believable woman while holding enough back to keep readers wanting to learn more. I also liked the friendships between Bernie and her team, and I think the author builds on this really well, though it's not all plain sailing as there are some power struggles and office politics. The mystery of Molly's disappearance is exceedingly compelling and there are several false leads and red herrings to fox the reader however, it's the response of the local community which is most baffling, further darkening this absorbing story. Joy Kluver never rushes the plot, but cleverly introduces a deadline for Bernie which exacerbates the tension so that it is sometimes palpable.
Last Seen is a fantastic start to a new series, which I’m sure will see readers coming back for more.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story is told mostly from the perspective of Bernie with the occasional snippets every so often from the POV of the perpetrator. The investigation is a complex one and Joy Kluver cleverly weaves everything together. The investigation begins quite slowly mainly because of the community's unwillingness to help, but it soon picks up pace. There are some shocking reveals as the police look into the pasts of the victim’s family.
Bernie is grieving the very recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the insights given into both her personal and professional life are interesting. Joy Kluver prudently reveals enough about her to ensure she comes across as a switched-on, believable woman while holding enough back to keep readers wanting to learn more. I also liked the friendships between Bernie and her team, and I think the author builds on this really well, though it's not all plain sailing as there are some power struggles and office politics. The mystery of Molly's disappearance is exceedingly compelling and there are several false leads and red herrings to fox the reader however, it's the response of the local community which is most baffling, further darkening this absorbing story. Joy Kluver never rushes the plot, but cleverly introduces a deadline for Bernie which exacerbates the tension so that it is sometimes palpable.
Last Seen is a fantastic start to a new series, which I’m sure will see readers coming back for more.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 9, 2021
Me hacía falta leer algo por lo menos en otro ambiente y en otro idioma (la nórdica últimamente me ha decepcionado y quería cambiar de aires). No es para tirar cohetes pero diría que es un buen comienzo de serie. Me gustó el equipo policial pero la DI Bernie Noel no realmente, no sé si es falta de experiencia, pero las cosas que se van descubriendo es gracias al equipo y muchas veces ella les quitaba importancia. Y aunque el motivo del secuestro es un poco tirado por los pelos, entretiene que también es importante. Leerlo es como ver una serie policial británica en la tele (a las cuales soy adicta).
March 13, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Joy Kluver's compelling debut crime thriller LAST SEEN.
A mother's back is turned. A child goes missing. The first 24 hours are the most crucial and with each passing hour, the chances of finding her alive continue to shrink. Door to door enquiries are undertaken but police are finding the community reluctant to help to the point of refusal. Why?
DI Bernadette "Bernie" Noel came to Wiltshire from the Met to escape. With her move came a promotion after a successful conviction in London which resulted in her receiving death threats. A move to the West Country was to put all that behind her and to protect both herself and her family. But despite her rank and her stoic exterior, Bernie is as emotional and fallible as the next person. But she cares. And that, and her tenacity, is what makes her a good detective.
Now six months later Bernie is on her way back from her grandfather's funeral in London when she receives the call and races to the scene. She arrives to find a search already underway and her crime scene trampled. With no clue as to how 5 year old Molly Reynolds left the playground, police can only surmise possible scenarios with no real idea as to what actually happened. Had Molly been taken? Was it a stranger? Was it someone known to her? Was she playing her favourite game of hide and seek and had hidden herself just a little too well? Or had she just wandered off and gotten lost? Police dogs are brought in to track her scent...but only get as far as the gate before the trail goes cold. If Molly had left the playground - which she obviously did as she was no longer there - then why does her scent end at the gate? She didn't grow wings and fly away...so where did she go?
Bernie's questions of the community fall on deaf ears. She is met with belligerence, has doors slammed in her face while others don't even answer the door! No one, it seems, wants to help find little Molly. Why is the community of Otterfield so intent on being unhelpful?
When Bernie questions distraught mother Jessica Cole, she learns that Molly has no friends and plays by herself. When they arrived at the playground after school, Molly even had to wait around half an hour before the other children left and allow her play on the equipment. Bernie found this strange behaviour and it appeared the entire community was against both Molly and her mother. But even so, wouldn't the community want to help find little Molly, regardless of how they felt about her mother?
Not only has Bernie got this troubling case on her hands, she also has office politics to deal with when her superior, DCS Wilson, announces that a new DS is being foisted upon her who "has a great deal of experience" and will take over as FLO for the family. As Bernie already had an FLO in place, she feels undermined and outranked. And given Wilson's praise of the newcomer from Scotland, that he doesn't have the faith in her to investigate this case and close with a good result.
Needless to say when DS Dougal (Dougie) Anderson arrives, swooping in to take over FLO duties, he dismisses the uniformed PC guarding the Coles' house as well as the volunteer home help Bernie called in to assist Jessica in caring for baby Sam. This leads to conflict between Anderson and Bernie as she reminds him that she is his superior officer and he had no authority to dismiss those she had put in place without first clearing it with her. It is soon clear to Bernie that DS Anderson is used to giving orders, making him something of a mystery. The fact that they don't always see eye to eye creates a simmering layer of conflict between them. Thankfully, there isn't too much of that and Anderson ends up being an essential member of Bernie's team.
The rest of Bernie's team - DS Kerry Allen and DC Matt Taylor along with Sgt Alan Turner, DCS Wilson and media liaison Jane Clackett - are an interesting bunch and despite conflicts with the latter two, the team are like a well-oiled machine that moves along smoothly. And if anyone can solve the disappearance of Molly Reynolds, it's Bernie.
The story is told in the third person perspective of Bernie throughout with the exception of little snippets, inserted every few chapters, from the villain. These fragments create another aspect to the story as we try to figure out who is behind the disappearance...and why. Part of the fun in reading crime fiction is trying to guess the culprit but Joy Kluver had me well and truly hoodwinked. Although some aspects I did manage to figure out successfully.
With a fast moving plot, there is a lot packed into LAST SEEN, from a missing 5 year old, a series of thefts at betting shops in the county and surrounds, an historic child abduction to a fact from Bernie's past she has not yet met and the underlying threats from a past case as well the ongoing power struggles and office politics. But it was all well written and each facet complemented the rest of the story.
I found it slightly ironic, however, that Bernie - who had made the move to Wiltshire to keep a low profile - spends a lot of time appearing at press conferences, interviews and in the public eye and yet still survives unscathed. If her superiors are truly aware of her circumstances, I'm sure they would have made allowances to keep her safe and out of the public eye. After all, she is meant to be keeping a low profile. But whether they are or not, I'm not sure. Surely they aren't as it would be professional suicide to place a member under their command at risk. However, I'm sure there is more to come on that front as the series progresses.
A promising start to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed LAST SEEN and look forward to reading more about Bernie and her team. I recommend this book/series to fans of crime fiction, police procedurals and those of Carol Wyer, Helen Phifer, Angela Marsons and Carla Kovach.
I would like to thank #JoyKluver, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #LastSeen in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
A mother's back is turned. A child goes missing. The first 24 hours are the most crucial and with each passing hour, the chances of finding her alive continue to shrink. Door to door enquiries are undertaken but police are finding the community reluctant to help to the point of refusal. Why?
DI Bernadette "Bernie" Noel came to Wiltshire from the Met to escape. With her move came a promotion after a successful conviction in London which resulted in her receiving death threats. A move to the West Country was to put all that behind her and to protect both herself and her family. But despite her rank and her stoic exterior, Bernie is as emotional and fallible as the next person. But she cares. And that, and her tenacity, is what makes her a good detective.
Now six months later Bernie is on her way back from her grandfather's funeral in London when she receives the call and races to the scene. She arrives to find a search already underway and her crime scene trampled. With no clue as to how 5 year old Molly Reynolds left the playground, police can only surmise possible scenarios with no real idea as to what actually happened. Had Molly been taken? Was it a stranger? Was it someone known to her? Was she playing her favourite game of hide and seek and had hidden herself just a little too well? Or had she just wandered off and gotten lost? Police dogs are brought in to track her scent...but only get as far as the gate before the trail goes cold. If Molly had left the playground - which she obviously did as she was no longer there - then why does her scent end at the gate? She didn't grow wings and fly away...so where did she go?
Bernie's questions of the community fall on deaf ears. She is met with belligerence, has doors slammed in her face while others don't even answer the door! No one, it seems, wants to help find little Molly. Why is the community of Otterfield so intent on being unhelpful?
When Bernie questions distraught mother Jessica Cole, she learns that Molly has no friends and plays by herself. When they arrived at the playground after school, Molly even had to wait around half an hour before the other children left and allow her play on the equipment. Bernie found this strange behaviour and it appeared the entire community was against both Molly and her mother. But even so, wouldn't the community want to help find little Molly, regardless of how they felt about her mother?
Not only has Bernie got this troubling case on her hands, she also has office politics to deal with when her superior, DCS Wilson, announces that a new DS is being foisted upon her who "has a great deal of experience" and will take over as FLO for the family. As Bernie already had an FLO in place, she feels undermined and outranked. And given Wilson's praise of the newcomer from Scotland, that he doesn't have the faith in her to investigate this case and close with a good result.
Needless to say when DS Dougal (Dougie) Anderson arrives, swooping in to take over FLO duties, he dismisses the uniformed PC guarding the Coles' house as well as the volunteer home help Bernie called in to assist Jessica in caring for baby Sam. This leads to conflict between Anderson and Bernie as she reminds him that she is his superior officer and he had no authority to dismiss those she had put in place without first clearing it with her. It is soon clear to Bernie that DS Anderson is used to giving orders, making him something of a mystery. The fact that they don't always see eye to eye creates a simmering layer of conflict between them. Thankfully, there isn't too much of that and Anderson ends up being an essential member of Bernie's team.
The rest of Bernie's team - DS Kerry Allen and DC Matt Taylor along with Sgt Alan Turner, DCS Wilson and media liaison Jane Clackett - are an interesting bunch and despite conflicts with the latter two, the team are like a well-oiled machine that moves along smoothly. And if anyone can solve the disappearance of Molly Reynolds, it's Bernie.
The story is told in the third person perspective of Bernie throughout with the exception of little snippets, inserted every few chapters, from the villain. These fragments create another aspect to the story as we try to figure out who is behind the disappearance...and why. Part of the fun in reading crime fiction is trying to guess the culprit but Joy Kluver had me well and truly hoodwinked. Although some aspects I did manage to figure out successfully.
With a fast moving plot, there is a lot packed into LAST SEEN, from a missing 5 year old, a series of thefts at betting shops in the county and surrounds, an historic child abduction to a fact from Bernie's past she has not yet met and the underlying threats from a past case as well the ongoing power struggles and office politics. But it was all well written and each facet complemented the rest of the story.
I found it slightly ironic, however, that Bernie - who had made the move to Wiltshire to keep a low profile - spends a lot of time appearing at press conferences, interviews and in the public eye and yet still survives unscathed. If her superiors are truly aware of her circumstances, I'm sure they would have made allowances to keep her safe and out of the public eye. After all, she is meant to be keeping a low profile. But whether they are or not, I'm not sure. Surely they aren't as it would be professional suicide to place a member under their command at risk. However, I'm sure there is more to come on that front as the series progresses.
A promising start to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed LAST SEEN and look forward to reading more about Bernie and her team. I recommend this book/series to fans of crime fiction, police procedurals and those of Carol Wyer, Helen Phifer, Angela Marsons and Carla Kovach.
I would like to thank #JoyKluver, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #LastSeen in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 29, 2021
All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/
Last Seen is Kluver's debut novel and what a cracking start it is! It was a joy to meet DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel - new to the area and newly promoted - as she took on her first case with Wiltshire Police, the desperate search for a missing five-year-old child. This is a very assured debut from an author to watch!
Shy and sensitive Molly Reynolds has been warned about stranger danger by the adults in her life. But that doesn't stop her from being snatched from the local park, mere feet from her mother's turned back. New to Wiltshire Police, DI Bernie Noel, is tasked with finding the girl and reuniting her with her family. But Bernie's search is hampered at every turn by the folk of Ottersfield who seem uncaring, uninterested and reluctant to take time out of their busy schedules to help find the child. Why would a village react like that? Bernie and the team are at a loss. Every lead turns out to be a dead end. Until Bernie discovers the disappearance of another child twenty-five years earlier. Are the two cases connected and will Bernie find Molly in time...?
I really liked DI Noel who came across as a very relatable, very real character. Not only has Bernie got a challenging case on her hands but the author hints throughout the book of a troubled past which intrigued me. There are references to Bernie's life in London and a case which still visibly haunts her. And all of this on top of the search for little Molly! The reader also gets to discover more about Bernie's family which isn't all sunshine and rainbows (pretty normal then!). These well-plotted layers add up to a very likeable new detective who I'm looking forward to spending more time with in the future.
The characters who form Bernie's team are also well-written and I felt they all contributed to the story. DS Kerry Allen has a heart of gold but won't take cr@p from anyone. Matt Taylor is a young, ambitious detective constable who personally, I liked the most. I hope he features in future books. Although he's not officially part of the team (he should be!), Sergeant Alan Turner was just wonderful! And lastly, we have DS Dougie Anderson who I couldn't work out (I don't think I was the only one!). He seemed totally obnoxious one minute, only to turn sweetness and light the next! I think DI Noel and DS Anderson have a very interesting future ahead of them, although fingers crossed it's not a romantic one!
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Last Seen is a compelling read featuring an intriguing new detective. I loved the secrets, the deceit and the small town apathy Bernie finds in Otterfield. Normally, when a child goes missing it's all hands to the pumps, but not in this case and the reasons behind the residents complete lack of interest kept me turning the pages. It's a great start to a new series and I'm excited to see what is in store next for DI Noel and the team. Recommended.
Last Seen is Kluver's debut novel and what a cracking start it is! It was a joy to meet DI Bernadette (Bernie) Noel - new to the area and newly promoted - as she took on her first case with Wiltshire Police, the desperate search for a missing five-year-old child. This is a very assured debut from an author to watch!
Shy and sensitive Molly Reynolds has been warned about stranger danger by the adults in her life. But that doesn't stop her from being snatched from the local park, mere feet from her mother's turned back. New to Wiltshire Police, DI Bernie Noel, is tasked with finding the girl and reuniting her with her family. But Bernie's search is hampered at every turn by the folk of Ottersfield who seem uncaring, uninterested and reluctant to take time out of their busy schedules to help find the child. Why would a village react like that? Bernie and the team are at a loss. Every lead turns out to be a dead end. Until Bernie discovers the disappearance of another child twenty-five years earlier. Are the two cases connected and will Bernie find Molly in time...?
I really liked DI Noel who came across as a very relatable, very real character. Not only has Bernie got a challenging case on her hands but the author hints throughout the book of a troubled past which intrigued me. There are references to Bernie's life in London and a case which still visibly haunts her. And all of this on top of the search for little Molly! The reader also gets to discover more about Bernie's family which isn't all sunshine and rainbows (pretty normal then!). These well-plotted layers add up to a very likeable new detective who I'm looking forward to spending more time with in the future.
The characters who form Bernie's team are also well-written and I felt they all contributed to the story. DS Kerry Allen has a heart of gold but won't take cr@p from anyone. Matt Taylor is a young, ambitious detective constable who personally, I liked the most. I hope he features in future books. Although he's not officially part of the team (he should be!), Sergeant Alan Turner was just wonderful! And lastly, we have DS Dougie Anderson who I couldn't work out (I don't think I was the only one!). He seemed totally obnoxious one minute, only to turn sweetness and light the next! I think DI Noel and DS Anderson have a very interesting future ahead of them, although fingers crossed it's not a romantic one!
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Last Seen is a compelling read featuring an intriguing new detective. I loved the secrets, the deceit and the small town apathy Bernie finds in Otterfield. Normally, when a child goes missing it's all hands to the pumps, but not in this case and the reasons behind the residents complete lack of interest kept me turning the pages. It's a great start to a new series and I'm excited to see what is in store next for DI Noel and the team. Recommended.
March 10, 2021
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. Last Seen is an interesting debut novel which introduces the reader to Bernie and her team. Soon after attending the funeral of her beloved ’Pops’ Bernie has to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Molly, from a play area. You would expect the local community to help with finding her but there is reluctance from the locals. The reasons why are revealed further into the novel but this is a close knit community and like many they don’t like questions, they are loyal and there are a lot of memories. I could understand how frustrating this was for Bernie and her team.
Bernie is new to the area, she relocated from the MET Police for reasons unspecified but the disappearance of Molly is putting her in the spotlight. Something which she is trying to avoid. The loss of Pops, not really knowing the local area and receiving what could be a threatening card adds to her worry. Not to mention having to work with a new colleague who she can’t make her mind up about.
One of the strengths of this novel is how long it seemed to take for the team to get their answers. It showed that not every case is fast moving and even though only a few days had gone they all felt the exhaustion and frustration and were fully aware that they needed to get a breakthrough.
Little is revealed about most of them, including Bernie. Even though I liked her a lot, I felt I only knew her as a police officer. I wanted to know more about her life outside of the job. I expect that more will be revealed further into the series as she settles into her new life. I know that many series are similar and this isn’t a criticism but she seemed to be somebody I would like to know in real life. I am looking to forward to learning more about all of them in book two.
Bernie is new to the area, she relocated from the MET Police for reasons unspecified but the disappearance of Molly is putting her in the spotlight. Something which she is trying to avoid. The loss of Pops, not really knowing the local area and receiving what could be a threatening card adds to her worry. Not to mention having to work with a new colleague who she can’t make her mind up about.
One of the strengths of this novel is how long it seemed to take for the team to get their answers. It showed that not every case is fast moving and even though only a few days had gone they all felt the exhaustion and frustration and were fully aware that they needed to get a breakthrough.
Little is revealed about most of them, including Bernie. Even though I liked her a lot, I felt I only knew her as a police officer. I wanted to know more about her life outside of the job. I expect that more will be revealed further into the series as she settles into her new life. I know that many series are similar and this isn’t a criticism but she seemed to be somebody I would like to know in real life. I am looking to forward to learning more about all of them in book two.
June 14, 2021
Last seen is centred around the kidnap of a young girl called Molly. Whilst at the park with her mum she goes missing whilst her mother is changing her babies nappy. Detective Bernie is already at the park and therefore is the first on the scene. Bernie soon realises there is more to the disappearance as the entire village appears unwilling to help find her.
An interesting crime thriller. I found it went from timid to crazy quiet quickly but I won't complain. I loved the dynamics between bernie and her team esp her newest member who seeks to have more to his story.
I liked what this case uncovers and how deeply this goes. It is done so well and believable as well. I was very hooked truing to put all the pieces together myself
I gave this book 3 stars. Its not the best crime thriller I've ever read but its not the worse. I loved how it all tide together. There are a few graphic scenes that had me taking minute to stop picturing but otherwise a solid book
I would happily recommend.
Thank-you to netgalley the publisher and author for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
An interesting crime thriller. I found it went from timid to crazy quiet quickly but I won't complain. I loved the dynamics between bernie and her team esp her newest member who seeks to have more to his story.
I liked what this case uncovers and how deeply this goes. It is done so well and believable as well. I was very hooked truing to put all the pieces together myself
I gave this book 3 stars. Its not the best crime thriller I've ever read but its not the worse. I loved how it all tide together. There are a few graphic scenes that had me taking minute to stop picturing but otherwise a solid book
I would happily recommend.
Thank-you to netgalley the publisher and author for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
July 4, 2021
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Joy Kluver for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Last Seen is a fabulous debut novel from Joy Kluver.
The characters are strong, well-rounded and believable.
It has a gripping, steady-paced plot, with some nail-biting moments.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully we’ll get to know more about DI Bernadette Noel in a sequel?!
I’d definitely recommend, and look forward to the next instalment (hopefully!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Joy Kluver for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Last Seen is a fabulous debut novel from Joy Kluver.
The characters are strong, well-rounded and believable.
It has a gripping, steady-paced plot, with some nail-biting moments.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully we’ll get to know more about DI Bernadette Noel in a sequel?!
I’d definitely recommend, and look forward to the next instalment (hopefully!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 26, 2021
I have long been a fan of Joy Kluver's excellent book reviews on her blog and as we often seem to have similar taste in books, I've been eagerly anticipating her own debut. Last Seen is the first in the Detective Bernadette Noel series and is intriguing both in terms of the mystery and as an introduction to characters I am looking forward to following in the future.
Bernadette - Bernie - is keen to prove herself, having spent two years in the accelerated programme to become a Detective Inspector and as the novel progresses it becomes clear that she was forced to leave the Met and move to Wiltshire following a case which resulted in her and her family receiving death threats. I know the county quite well and thought the sense of place was rendered superbly, demonstrating a real motivation to establish immersive authenticity. When a young girl is reported missing, Bernie knows a successful outcome would be a significant boost to her career but conversely, failure will result in her superiors and colleagues questioning whether she was ready to lead such a high-profile investigation. I think it's vital to have a strong introduction to the main character and that is certainly the case here. Bernie is grieving the very recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the insights we are given into both her personal and professional life are fascinating. Joy Kluver reveals enough about her to ensure she feels a well-rounded, believable woman while holding enough back to keep readers wanting to discover more..
She appears to already be developing a close bond with her Major Crime Investigation Team and I particularly like the friendship she has with her shrewd Detective Sergeant, Kerry Allen. Meanwhile, her fast-tracked Detective Constable, Matt Taylor has almost as much to prove as she does and it's clear he has the potential to be an essential asset to her team. These three have undoubtedly formed a relationship built on mutual respect and trust but the newest member, DS Dougie Anderson is a far more perplexing addition. Although there is definitely a spark between him and Bernie, it still remains to be seen whether he would be good for her. He is a brilliant character; utterly infuriating one minute, then an important ally the next. I have no idea what sort of person he'll ultimately turn out to be and there are concerning revelations about him here but I'm keen to see how his character is developed in the future.
One thing that can't be disputed is their combined resolve to discover what has happened to missing five-year-old, Molly Reynolds, or their desperate desire to find her unharmed. The mystery of her disappearance is gratifyingly compelling and there are several false leads and red herrings to hoodwink detectives and readers, along with brief, puzzling glimpses into the mind of the kidnapper, However, it's the response of the local community which is most baffling, adding further dark intrigue to this absorbing story.
Joy Kluver never rushes the plot, allowing the investigation to develop at its own pace but cleverly introduces a deadline for Bernie which exacerbates the tense of tension that so clearly drives the team, it becomes almost palpable at times. Although we don't see much of Molly here as she is snatched very early in the novel, I was impressed by the care taken to ensure she and her distraught parents are never overshadowed by the various interactions in the MICT. Bernie might be determined to quash any lingering doubts over her ability to lead such a case but tries to be mindful that the family are always the most significant people, regardless of what else may be happening.
I loved Last Seen and was engrossed from start to finish; such a well-crafted, thrilling and moving debut surely marks Joy Kluver as an author to watch. I can't wait for more!
Bernadette - Bernie - is keen to prove herself, having spent two years in the accelerated programme to become a Detective Inspector and as the novel progresses it becomes clear that she was forced to leave the Met and move to Wiltshire following a case which resulted in her and her family receiving death threats. I know the county quite well and thought the sense of place was rendered superbly, demonstrating a real motivation to establish immersive authenticity. When a young girl is reported missing, Bernie knows a successful outcome would be a significant boost to her career but conversely, failure will result in her superiors and colleagues questioning whether she was ready to lead such a high-profile investigation. I think it's vital to have a strong introduction to the main character and that is certainly the case here. Bernie is grieving the very recent loss of her beloved grandfather and the insights we are given into both her personal and professional life are fascinating. Joy Kluver reveals enough about her to ensure she feels a well-rounded, believable woman while holding enough back to keep readers wanting to discover more..
She appears to already be developing a close bond with her Major Crime Investigation Team and I particularly like the friendship she has with her shrewd Detective Sergeant, Kerry Allen. Meanwhile, her fast-tracked Detective Constable, Matt Taylor has almost as much to prove as she does and it's clear he has the potential to be an essential asset to her team. These three have undoubtedly formed a relationship built on mutual respect and trust but the newest member, DS Dougie Anderson is a far more perplexing addition. Although there is definitely a spark between him and Bernie, it still remains to be seen whether he would be good for her. He is a brilliant character; utterly infuriating one minute, then an important ally the next. I have no idea what sort of person he'll ultimately turn out to be and there are concerning revelations about him here but I'm keen to see how his character is developed in the future.
One thing that can't be disputed is their combined resolve to discover what has happened to missing five-year-old, Molly Reynolds, or their desperate desire to find her unharmed. The mystery of her disappearance is gratifyingly compelling and there are several false leads and red herrings to hoodwink detectives and readers, along with brief, puzzling glimpses into the mind of the kidnapper, However, it's the response of the local community which is most baffling, adding further dark intrigue to this absorbing story.
Joy Kluver never rushes the plot, allowing the investigation to develop at its own pace but cleverly introduces a deadline for Bernie which exacerbates the tense of tension that so clearly drives the team, it becomes almost palpable at times. Although we don't see much of Molly here as she is snatched very early in the novel, I was impressed by the care taken to ensure she and her distraught parents are never overshadowed by the various interactions in the MICT. Bernie might be determined to quash any lingering doubts over her ability to lead such a case but tries to be mindful that the family are always the most significant people, regardless of what else may be happening.
I loved Last Seen and was engrossed from start to finish; such a well-crafted, thrilling and moving debut surely marks Joy Kluver as an author to watch. I can't wait for more!
March 7, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Last Seen, the first novel to feature DI Bernadette Noel of the Wiltshire Police.
5 year old Mollie Reynolds disappears from the swing park in the small village of Otterfield and Bernie and her team are quickly on site to start the hunt. All they find are Molly’s fleece and the sticker she was given that day in school. Bernie is convinced that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially as the villagers are uncooperative, and is vindicated when she discovers that another 5 year old girl vanished years earlier.
I thoroughly enjoyed Last Seen, which is an engrossing read and, as a kidnapping, a refreshing change from my usual fare of murder investigations. The novel is told mostly from Bernie’s point of view with the unnamed perpetrator occasionally adding an update. I’m not always a fan of hearing from this latter, but in this case it offers a little news and hope to the reader.
I thought that the plot is well done with several twists and its well buried roots hidden deep in the past. The plot is well conceived with reveals at the right moments, several false starts and the inevitable personality conflicts. It makes for a heady brew. I understand that this is a debut novel, but you’d never know. It is accomplished and seems to have the balance right between character and investigation. Yes, it might be a touch over complicated in the motive department and I must admit that I didn’t quite get or accept some of it, but as it comes at the end it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of a very interesting journey to that point.
I like Bernie Noel who is a recent transplant to Wiltshire from The Met. There are hints about threats that forced her to move, but nothing substantive in this novel, so that may be for the future. Otherwise she is smart, empathetic and on the ball, but no pushover as her colleagues can attest. I would definitely spend more time with her.
Last Seen is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
5 year old Mollie Reynolds disappears from the swing park in the small village of Otterfield and Bernie and her team are quickly on site to start the hunt. All they find are Molly’s fleece and the sticker she was given that day in school. Bernie is convinced that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially as the villagers are uncooperative, and is vindicated when she discovers that another 5 year old girl vanished years earlier.
I thoroughly enjoyed Last Seen, which is an engrossing read and, as a kidnapping, a refreshing change from my usual fare of murder investigations. The novel is told mostly from Bernie’s point of view with the unnamed perpetrator occasionally adding an update. I’m not always a fan of hearing from this latter, but in this case it offers a little news and hope to the reader.
I thought that the plot is well done with several twists and its well buried roots hidden deep in the past. The plot is well conceived with reveals at the right moments, several false starts and the inevitable personality conflicts. It makes for a heady brew. I understand that this is a debut novel, but you’d never know. It is accomplished and seems to have the balance right between character and investigation. Yes, it might be a touch over complicated in the motive department and I must admit that I didn’t quite get or accept some of it, but as it comes at the end it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of a very interesting journey to that point.
I like Bernie Noel who is a recent transplant to Wiltshire from The Met. There are hints about threats that forced her to move, but nothing substantive in this novel, so that may be for the future. Otherwise she is smart, empathetic and on the ball, but no pushover as her colleagues can attest. I would definitely spend more time with her.
Last Seen is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 17, 2021
Last Seen by Joy Kluver is the 1st book in the Detective Bernadette Noel series, and it is off to a great start. When a little girl goes missing, no one in town will help look for her. I found this book to be fast-paced, and like a roller coaster ride with surprises around every curve. This book has a well developed plot and characters. I strongly recommend this book and series to all mystery lovers, like me. You won't be disappointed. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 23, 2021
Last Seen is the debut novel by Joy Kluver, and it’s a book I’ve been looking forward to reading for a while now. It is the start of what I hope will be a long-running series featuring Detective Bernadette Noel.
Detective Bernadette Noel has recently been appointed to a town in Wiltshire under something of a cloud. She was previously working with the Metropolitan Police, so what was the reason behind her move to Wiltshire? Not long after she is reassigned, she is thrown into a high profile investigation when five-year-old Molly disappears. But why do none of the locals want to help in the search?
Joy Kluver has created such an intriguing premise in her debut novel. Usually, and especially in the case of a missing child, the public wants to help. There are searches organised, and people are ringing the police hotline constantly with sightings to report. But in this case, the police aren’t getting anything. When they carry out house to house enquiries, they are met with hostility, with the door practically being slammed in their faces. People are also very reluctant to put up missing posters. What is going on here? It made me really dislike the residents of their town. Couldn’t they see that this was about bringing Molly, an innocent girl home?
The investigation is a complex one, and Joy Kluver cleverly weaves everything together. The investigation does start off quite slow, particularly when people are unwilling to help, but it gradually gathers pace. There are some shocking reveals as the police look into the past of the victim’s family. It’s then that they begin to understand why the locals don’t want to know. I really wanted to find out the reason behind this.
I liked the friendships between Bernie and her team, and I think Joy Kluver builds on this really well as the novel progresses. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops as the series moves on from here.
This is a fantastic start to a new series, which I’m sure will keep readers coming back for more.
Detective Bernadette Noel has recently been appointed to a town in Wiltshire under something of a cloud. She was previously working with the Metropolitan Police, so what was the reason behind her move to Wiltshire? Not long after she is reassigned, she is thrown into a high profile investigation when five-year-old Molly disappears. But why do none of the locals want to help in the search?
Joy Kluver has created such an intriguing premise in her debut novel. Usually, and especially in the case of a missing child, the public wants to help. There are searches organised, and people are ringing the police hotline constantly with sightings to report. But in this case, the police aren’t getting anything. When they carry out house to house enquiries, they are met with hostility, with the door practically being slammed in their faces. People are also very reluctant to put up missing posters. What is going on here? It made me really dislike the residents of their town. Couldn’t they see that this was about bringing Molly, an innocent girl home?
The investigation is a complex one, and Joy Kluver cleverly weaves everything together. The investigation does start off quite slow, particularly when people are unwilling to help, but it gradually gathers pace. There are some shocking reveals as the police look into the past of the victim’s family. It’s then that they begin to understand why the locals don’t want to know. I really wanted to find out the reason behind this.
I liked the friendships between Bernie and her team, and I think Joy Kluver builds on this really well as the novel progresses. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops as the series moves on from here.
This is a fantastic start to a new series, which I’m sure will keep readers coming back for more.
June 5, 2021
5 Stars from me
I love beginning a new series and I always do so with the hope in my heart that it will be the first in a series of books that I come to love.
Joy Kluver has created a memorable cast of characters in Last Seen and I soon found myself engrossed in the story and enjoying meeting the police team.
Last Seen is a classic race against time with a sense of urgency as Detective Bernadette Noel and her colleagues try to find missing 5 year old Molly... and yet, contrary to all that you would expect, the villagers don't seem willing to help look for her. But why?
The story unfolds in clever layers, with little snippets being released at various stages. Every time I patted myself on the back, sure that I had sussed out the culprit, it took another turn.
I greatly enjoyed Last Seen and can't wait to read the next in the series - Broken Girls.
I love beginning a new series and I always do so with the hope in my heart that it will be the first in a series of books that I come to love.
Joy Kluver has created a memorable cast of characters in Last Seen and I soon found myself engrossed in the story and enjoying meeting the police team.
Last Seen is a classic race against time with a sense of urgency as Detective Bernadette Noel and her colleagues try to find missing 5 year old Molly... and yet, contrary to all that you would expect, the villagers don't seem willing to help look for her. But why?
The story unfolds in clever layers, with little snippets being released at various stages. Every time I patted myself on the back, sure that I had sussed out the culprit, it took another turn.
I greatly enjoyed Last Seen and can't wait to read the next in the series - Broken Girls.
March 12, 2021
Last Seen is the debut novel by Joy Kluver, and it's a story I was excited to read. Even though it's not my usual choice when it comes to crime fiction purely because as a Brit I don't tend to enjoy a lot of British detective stories. But there was just something about this one that appealed to me, and I'm glad I got the chance to read it. As it was a well-written and intriguing story that easily pulled me in and perfectly detailed the South West without creating regional stereotypes. Furthermore, the police procedural aspects were on point, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep me reading even when the pace dropped off. And with likable characters who have plenty more to offer I'm excited to see what comes next.
Would recommend.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Would recommend.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
January 17, 2023
Actually I’m a bit lost for words at just how gripped I was by this. A fantastic plot, likeable characters and believable relationships.
I do believe that already I have found a book that will be in my top 3 books of the year.
I can’t wait to ready more by Joy Kluver.
I do believe that already I have found a book that will be in my top 3 books of the year.
I can’t wait to ready more by Joy Kluver.
July 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Figured out the ending but it was well written and full of suspense🤓🤓
March 26, 2021
Absolutely brilliant. Thrilling. Absorbing. Transporting. I was engrossed and did not want it to end while at the same time racing through the pages. Just wonderful. Please read this one.
April 12, 2025
I’ve never read a detective procedural like this! Felt very like the TV shows I love (Broadchurch, Happy Valley, Elementary). Totally got sucked in, found that I couldn’t put it down at the end. Excited to read the next!
March 27, 2021
This is a great read and I hope it is the first of a series centred around DI Bernie Noel.
Bernie is called when a school girl is taken from a local park and she is determined to find her.
The family seem to be loners and people in the village don’t seem too concerned about the missing child, so Bernie starts to dig a bit deeper into this.
She has a good team to support her but with the arrival of a new team member, it takes them a while to get used to him.
This story is fast paced and the secrets and revelations come thick and fast throughout the book.
I didn’t guess who the abductor was and thought it was a very clever storyline.
Bernie has her own personal problems but these are only touched upon in this book, so I hope we find out more in future books.
This is a brilliant read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Bernie is called when a school girl is taken from a local park and she is determined to find her.
The family seem to be loners and people in the village don’t seem too concerned about the missing child, so Bernie starts to dig a bit deeper into this.
She has a good team to support her but with the arrival of a new team member, it takes them a while to get used to him.
This story is fast paced and the secrets and revelations come thick and fast throughout the book.
I didn’t guess who the abductor was and thought it was a very clever storyline.
Bernie has her own personal problems but these are only touched upon in this book, so I hope we find out more in future books.
This is a brilliant read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 18, 2021
Detective Bernadette Noel is a new DI and new to a small English village after relocating from London. She is leading up a difficult case of a missing child and the higher ups aren’t convinced her leadership skills are up to the task. In addition to the pressure of the case, Bernie has some issues in her personal life that are making it hard to concentrate on the case. Details aren’t given, but I assume it will be expanded on in future books. It looks like there could be some complications in the romance department, too, since sparks were flying between Bernie and one of her colleagues. Bernie is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing how she grows in her job and in general.
The case is interesting with lots of twists. It doesn't’ make sense why nobody in the village where a five-year-old girl disappears is willing to help out and Bernie wants to know why. I like the details included about the investigation as the detectives look for clues and follow up on leads while trying to solve the case. There is much room for improvement on how the team works together, but there are quite a few likeable characters in addition to Bernie. I like the way both DC Matt Taylor and DS Kerry Allen work hard and are respectful to Bernie. I really enjoyed the book and would definitely read more books by this author.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Bookouture. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The case is interesting with lots of twists. It doesn't’ make sense why nobody in the village where a five-year-old girl disappears is willing to help out and Bernie wants to know why. I like the details included about the investigation as the detectives look for clues and follow up on leads while trying to solve the case. There is much room for improvement on how the team works together, but there are quite a few likeable characters in addition to Bernie. I like the way both DC Matt Taylor and DS Kerry Allen work hard and are respectful to Bernie. I really enjoyed the book and would definitely read more books by this author.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Bookouture. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 2, 2023
I read this book in 2 days!!!!!!! I LOVED IT. Often detective novels are all very similar but this was really stood out! Q enjoyed every second
February 21, 2021
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
3.5* rounded down. This is the first in a series, although there were distracting references to DI Bernie's past and the fact that she was meant to be keeping a low profile in the West Country, having left London for unknown reasons. Obviously she spends the whole novel appearing at press conferences and being interviewed by the BBC, but survives unscathed.
The plot moved pretty quickly, and the following and dismissing of dead ends felt realistic, but much of the motivation felt a bit off to me. The senior police officers and press officer were capable of rapid and extreme mood swings, and I just don't accept the fact that an entire village would think as one and fail to help look for a missing 5 year old for the reasons given. That part felt a bit like an alternate reality.
There was a lot packed into one novel - a missing 5 year old, a series of crimes at betting shops, an historic child abduction, a potential romance for Bernie, Bernie's father introducing himself to her for the first time, power struggles within the police force, and so on. The ending was a little rushed and although this was a reasonably good read, I don't think I would rush to read the next in the series.
3.5* rounded down. This is the first in a series, although there were distracting references to DI Bernie's past and the fact that she was meant to be keeping a low profile in the West Country, having left London for unknown reasons. Obviously she spends the whole novel appearing at press conferences and being interviewed by the BBC, but survives unscathed.
The plot moved pretty quickly, and the following and dismissing of dead ends felt realistic, but much of the motivation felt a bit off to me. The senior police officers and press officer were capable of rapid and extreme mood swings, and I just don't accept the fact that an entire village would think as one and fail to help look for a missing 5 year old for the reasons given. That part felt a bit like an alternate reality.
There was a lot packed into one novel - a missing 5 year old, a series of crimes at betting shops, an historic child abduction, a potential romance for Bernie, Bernie's father introducing himself to her for the first time, power struggles within the police force, and so on. The ending was a little rushed and although this was a reasonably good read, I don't think I would rush to read the next in the series.
March 26, 2021
Last Seen storyline is gripping, addictive and captivating. It has suspense, tension, mystery, researched police procedural, almost like you are there in the book. I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last. I was pretty surprised and had a complete shock while reading all those twists and turns and I didn't knew the quilty one almost until the end. It is promising first installment of a series focused on Detective Bernadette Noel and I can say it is a good start and I hope it will be a long series. I enjoyed reading it and I recommend it to everyone who likes to read police procedural and Angela Marsons books.
Merged review:
Last Seen storyline is gripping, addictive and captivating. It has suspense, tension, mystery, researched police procedural, almost like you are there in the book. I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last. I was pretty surprised and had a complete shock while reading all those twists and turns and I didn't knew the quilty one almost until the end. It is promising first installment of a series focused on Detective Bernadette Noel and I can say it is a good start and I hope it will be a long series. I enjoyed reading it and I recommend it to everyone who likes to read police procedural and Angela Marsons books.
Merged review:
Last Seen storyline is gripping, addictive and captivating. It has suspense, tension, mystery, researched police procedural, almost like you are there in the book. I was absolutely hooked from the first page to the last. I was pretty surprised and had a complete shock while reading all those twists and turns and I didn't knew the quilty one almost until the end. It is promising first installment of a series focused on Detective Bernadette Noel and I can say it is a good start and I hope it will be a long series. I enjoyed reading it and I recommend it to everyone who likes to read police procedural and Angela Marsons books.
February 21, 2023
A five year old girl is abducted from a park in South England while a mother is distracted caring for her younger son. The community oddly shows no interest in helping with searching or providing witness statements. Detective Inspector Bernie Noel is in charge of the investigation and her team discovers similarities to a cold case which is supposedly the reason for the lack of cooperation.
The police procedural plot has some strong moments when describing the distraught family, but the random personal backgrounds and romantic subplots fall thin. Further, the motive and revenge scenes become more far fetched with each chapter. With kidnappings, suicide, murder, betting raids, romance, and a suddenly returning missing father - it was way too much for one book.
The police procedural plot has some strong moments when describing the distraught family, but the random personal backgrounds and romantic subplots fall thin. Further, the motive and revenge scenes become more far fetched with each chapter. With kidnappings, suicide, murder, betting raids, romance, and a suddenly returning missing father - it was way too much for one book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
Last Seen by Joy Kluver is the promising first installment of a series focused on Detective Bernadette Noel. I love getting onboard with a new series from the very start, and this one certainly intrigued me enough that I will make an early commitment to continuing with it.
Detective Bernie Noel has arrived in a rural village in the hope of laying low following her involvement in a high profile prosecution. But shortly after her arrival, a young girl is reported missing, and Bernie knows that her chances of remaining low key have just flown out the window. As she begins to question the villagers, Bernie is surprised to discover that, as a whole, they are less than forthcoming with any information that would provide leads to finding the missing girl. What has transpired in the town that would have the local community so closed off from doing what is right to find a child whose very fate hangs in the balance?
This is an intriguing, cleverly plotted debut that lays a strong foundation for a most compelling series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Detective Bernie Noel has arrived in a rural village in the hope of laying low following her involvement in a high profile prosecution. But shortly after her arrival, a young girl is reported missing, and Bernie knows that her chances of remaining low key have just flown out the window. As she begins to question the villagers, Bernie is surprised to discover that, as a whole, they are less than forthcoming with any information that would provide leads to finding the missing girl. What has transpired in the town that would have the local community so closed off from doing what is right to find a child whose very fate hangs in the balance?
This is an intriguing, cleverly plotted debut that lays a strong foundation for a most compelling series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
March 30, 2021
Last Seen is Joy Kluver’s debut novel and on the strength of this book I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.
Detective Bernadette Noel was on a fast track programme with the Metropolitan Police when a case she was working on forced her to leave London. Now she is in rural Wiltshire and keeping a low profile so as not to attract attention. She’s achieved her promotion to Detective Inspector and suddenly finds herself in charge of a case that is as awful as it is puzzling. A 5 year old child has disappeared from a children’s playpark in the small village of Otterfield and it looks like abduction.
There’s no obvious motive, but one thing is really strange. As you’d expect, Bernie is organising house to house questioning and search parties to look for little Molly – but it’s clear that no-one in either her village, nor the neighbouring one, want anything to do with the police investigation.
Bernie is puzzled. Apparently Molly hadn’t made any friends at school either. Her mother is at a loss as to why she might have been taken and is distraught. She doesn’t know why the village is so unfriendly.
Largely told from Bernie’s perspective, Last Seen presents a convincing portrait of an intelligent police officer in charge for the first time and seeking to solve a serious case into the bargain. Bernie is still grieving for her grandfather, recently laid to rest, and with a lot on her plate her confidence is not reassured when her boss tells her that she may not yet be ready to command such a high-profile case.
Joy Kluver does a great job of introducing us to the investigations team of Detective Sergeant Kerry Allen and Detective Constable, Matt Taylor with whom she is already establishing a great relationship. There’s a fly in the ointment though when her boss foists on her a new team member, DS Dougie Anderson, transferred in from Birmingham and who is hardly in the door before he starts doing things his own way instead of taking his orders from Bernie. That’s the last thing Bernie needs on this case and she has to work hard to keep him in line. Not only that, but it looks like the force’s Press officer for the area is no ally and is pushing Bernie to accept her view of how she should handle the public facing side of this disappearance.
When her boss tells her that if she doesn’t get results soon he is handing the case over to a more experienced officer, Bernie is determined that her team will find Molly before that happens.
The imposition of a deadline adds urgency to an already pressing case and as Bernie and her team race against time to work out who has taken Molly and why, we get a real sense of D.I. Noel’s shrewd and extremely capable thinking processes. She’s not flawless, but she is a good detective and that comes across as she handles this investigation.
As the team battle to find Molly the tension is high and there are many false leads and wrong paths to go down. As Bernie comes to realise that the silence of the villagers is a clue to what has happened to Molly she has to re-think her whole understanding of this case if she is to find Molly before it is too late.
Though perhaps a little slow to start as Kluver establishes the scene and her characters, the pace and tension ramps up mid-way through the book and holds the reader’s attention well and there are many pieces to this puzzle which all fit neatly together in the end.
There’s a great deal we still have to learn about this team and their backstories before they become fully fleshed, but that just adds to the intrigue in this book and makes us want to read more about the team. Joy Kluver drops just enough nuggets of information to make us curious and want more.
Verdict: A strong start to a new police procedural series with well thought through puzzles and characters that intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this knotty case and am actively looking forward to the next in the series.
Detective Bernadette Noel was on a fast track programme with the Metropolitan Police when a case she was working on forced her to leave London. Now she is in rural Wiltshire and keeping a low profile so as not to attract attention. She’s achieved her promotion to Detective Inspector and suddenly finds herself in charge of a case that is as awful as it is puzzling. A 5 year old child has disappeared from a children’s playpark in the small village of Otterfield and it looks like abduction.
There’s no obvious motive, but one thing is really strange. As you’d expect, Bernie is organising house to house questioning and search parties to look for little Molly – but it’s clear that no-one in either her village, nor the neighbouring one, want anything to do with the police investigation.
Bernie is puzzled. Apparently Molly hadn’t made any friends at school either. Her mother is at a loss as to why she might have been taken and is distraught. She doesn’t know why the village is so unfriendly.
Largely told from Bernie’s perspective, Last Seen presents a convincing portrait of an intelligent police officer in charge for the first time and seeking to solve a serious case into the bargain. Bernie is still grieving for her grandfather, recently laid to rest, and with a lot on her plate her confidence is not reassured when her boss tells her that she may not yet be ready to command such a high-profile case.
Joy Kluver does a great job of introducing us to the investigations team of Detective Sergeant Kerry Allen and Detective Constable, Matt Taylor with whom she is already establishing a great relationship. There’s a fly in the ointment though when her boss foists on her a new team member, DS Dougie Anderson, transferred in from Birmingham and who is hardly in the door before he starts doing things his own way instead of taking his orders from Bernie. That’s the last thing Bernie needs on this case and she has to work hard to keep him in line. Not only that, but it looks like the force’s Press officer for the area is no ally and is pushing Bernie to accept her view of how she should handle the public facing side of this disappearance.
When her boss tells her that if she doesn’t get results soon he is handing the case over to a more experienced officer, Bernie is determined that her team will find Molly before that happens.
The imposition of a deadline adds urgency to an already pressing case and as Bernie and her team race against time to work out who has taken Molly and why, we get a real sense of D.I. Noel’s shrewd and extremely capable thinking processes. She’s not flawless, but she is a good detective and that comes across as she handles this investigation.
As the team battle to find Molly the tension is high and there are many false leads and wrong paths to go down. As Bernie comes to realise that the silence of the villagers is a clue to what has happened to Molly she has to re-think her whole understanding of this case if she is to find Molly before it is too late.
Though perhaps a little slow to start as Kluver establishes the scene and her characters, the pace and tension ramps up mid-way through the book and holds the reader’s attention well and there are many pieces to this puzzle which all fit neatly together in the end.
There’s a great deal we still have to learn about this team and their backstories before they become fully fleshed, but that just adds to the intrigue in this book and makes us want to read more about the team. Joy Kluver drops just enough nuggets of information to make us curious and want more.
Verdict: A strong start to a new police procedural series with well thought through puzzles and characters that intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this knotty case and am actively looking forward to the next in the series.
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